Washington state initiative legalizes pot possession for adults

Sen. Patti Anne Lodge said the bill is a step forward, but worried about the quick turnaround.

One of the more watched initiatives nationally in Tuesday general election was a measure in Washington state that would allow residents to possess one ounce of dried marijuana without fear of criminal penalties. Now the devil is in the details, according to a story in the Seattle Times.

Washington voters approved the initiative overwhelmingly. The new law removes criminal penalties for pot possession beginning Dec. 6 for those 21 and older though the law adds a provision to DUI offenses due to marijuana impairment. Private use is permitted, but public use could result in an infraction citation.

Under the initiative the state must have a plan in place by December 2013 for licensing retailers, growers and food processors. Marijuana will become a regulated commodity subject to 25 percent excise taxes at each level of production. The state expects to collect millions of dollars in taxes as a result of the regulations.